Dodgers: Three Unresolved Questions Facing the Dodgers

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 7: Alex Verdugo #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs out a ground ball RBI where he reached on a throwing error against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning of a game at Coors Field on September 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 7: Alex Verdugo #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs out a ground ball RBI where he reached on a throwing error against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning of a game at Coors Field on September 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 20: Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch on February 20, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images) /

What will the Dodgers do with Julio Urias?

The Dodgers are going to limit Julio Urias this season although nobody knows what his innings limit will be.  David Vassegh has reported that Dodgers will likely set Julio’s limit at 70-100 innings which does sound like a reasonable amount.  Urias is coming off a shoulder surgery that is not as common as Tommy John, so “babying” him seems like a good move in this instance.

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The delayed start to the spring for Kershaw and Walker Buehler made it seem like a rotation spot was set for Urias but now Buehler is looking probable to start a game in the first week of the regular season.  Even with Buehler back, the Dodgers have one open spot in their rotation after Rich Hill, Walker Buehler, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Kenta Maeda.  Ross Stripling may get a chance to start the season in the rotation which makes sense for Julio’s innings limit.

It was announced this week that Tony Cingrani would miss the start of the season as he is dealing with shoulder issues yet again.  That means there is a spot open in the bullpen for Julio Urias as the second lefty in the pen.  A LOOGY role for Urias would be another way to limit his innings in the early portion of the season while still getting some use out of Julio.  In the NLCS, Urias got NL MVP Christian Yelich out at a pivotal moment of game seven.

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Regardless of what the Dodgers decide to do with Julio to start the season, it will not be as important as what they do with him at the end of the season and in the postseason.  The Dodgers need Urias in their playoff rotation so as long as he is healthy and ready to go for October, that is the Dodgers’ main priority.  It will be interesting to see how they utilize Urias to begin the regular season.